URL: https://barnsleymbc.moderngov.co.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=3069

Decision Maker: Executive Director Growth and Sustainability

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: To implement an Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) to introduce a ‘No stopping at any time except ambulances’ parking bay on New Street in Barnsley Town Centre.  Alhambra Shopping Centre is a dual level shopping centre in the heart of Barnsley Town Centre, located in the market area and bordered by Cheapside, New Street, West Way, Harborough Hill Road, and Wesley Street. A new National Health Service (NHS) facility is under construction in the Alhambra building, and the facility will have access for ambulances located on New Street. The facility requires a 24/7 unobstructed access parking bay for ambulances/patient transport vehicles to pick up and set down patients.   Barnsley Council proposes to introduce a ‘No Stopping at any time except ambulances’ parking bay on New Street in Barnsley. The restrictions will be introduced on a trial basis.   An Experimental Traffic Regulation Order (ETRO) is considered to be the most efficient method to properly assess the changes in parking patterns which are difficult to predict and their impact on road safety. An ETRO can be introduced for a maximum duration of up to eighteen months and provide a degree of flexibility for restrictions to be introduced on a trial basis with the facility to make changes during the trial period to satisfy the operational needs of users while balancing the need maintain safe movement of traffic.    Throughout the trial period the Head of Highways and Engineering will monitor the effectiveness of the restrictions, considering any objections or representation received. Once the optimum restrictions have been in place for a minimum period of 6 months, they can then be made permanent, subject to Cabinet approval.    The flexibility offered by an ETRO allows the public to make representations and offer comments or objections to the restrictions while they are in operation so that, where appropriate, the restrictions can be changed to meet local demands. Any objections which are unable to be resolved in this way will form part of the ETRO assessment to be reported to Cabinet for consideration. The effectiveness of the ETRO will be reported to Cabinet no less than 6 months before its expiry to allow, or otherwise, its permanent introduction. Option of a permanent Traffic Regulation Order was considered but should a permanent Traffic Regulation Order be implemented, and further changes were required after the restrictions have been introduced, the process to change them is a lengthy one should that be required. The use of an experimental Order is considered to be the most effective way to achieve delivery of the restrictions with the flexibility to make any changes necessary before the restrictions are made permanent. 

Date of Decision: November 26, 2025